UNITED SIKHS Calls on New York Sikh Community and Commercial Drivers to Share Their CDL Stories Amid Federal-State CDL Litigation
NEW YORK | June 3, 2026
UNITED SIKHS is calling upon members of the commercial drivers community to come forward and share their experiences about the possible cancellation of commercial driver licenses due to United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) threats to withhold federal New York State highway safety funding. New York has challenged this federal action that threatens the livelihoods of thousands of New York commercial drivers and their families.
UNITED SIKHS request follows the filing of the State of New York and New York State (NYS) Department of Motor Vehicles (NYSDMV) petition in the Second Circuit federal court of appeals against the United States Department of Transportation, et al., (No. 26-1097 (2d Cir., filed Apr. 24, 2026). New York State seeks judicial review of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) April 16, 2026 Final Determination of Substantial Noncompliance concerning New York’s Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program. The USDOT/FMCSA determination resulted in the withholding of approximately $73 million in federal highway funding to New York State and has placed significant pressure on New York to take actions affecting CDL holders.
According to New York’s petition, the State challenges USDOT/FMCSA’s interpretation of federal regulations and contends that the federal government imposed sanctions that could adversely affect thousands of drivers who relied upon licenses issued by New York under longstanding administrative practices. The litigation raises important questions concerning administrative law, federal-state relations, due process, reliance interests, and the rights of working individuals whose livelihoods may be impacted by this federal government action.
Earlier this year, UNITED SIKHS wrote to Governor Kathy Hochul supporting New York’s decision to challenge the federal sanctions arguing that doing so would safeguard the rights of CDL holders while responding to federal threats to withhold important safety highway funding. UNITED SIKHS supported the State’s efforts because it upholds due process, avoids blanket or retroactive penalties against drivers who relied on commercial licenses issued by New York, and if it supports providing individualized review in any enforcement action, and ensures that working families are not unfairly harmed as a result of a dispute between state and federal authorities. The organization stressed that public safety, fairness, and the rule of law are best served when government actions are transparent, evidence-based, and respectful of the legitimate reliance interests of affected individuals.
The Sikh community has a long and proud history of service within the trucking, transportation, logistics, and supply-chain sectors. Sikh commercial drivers play a vital role in moving goods throughout New York and across the United States. “For many families, a CDL is more than a driver’s license, it is the foundation of their livelihood, economic stability, and ability to support their families and communities,” stated Bhupinder Kaur, Operations Manager at UNITED SIKHS.
The organization is gathering these stories to better understand the real-world impact of current policies and to assess potential civil rights, due process, administrative law, and economic justice concerns affecting commercial drivers and their families. Information provided may assist advocacy efforts, public education initiatives, policy recommendations, legislative engagement, and the evaluation of potential legal remedies.
UNITED SIKHS encourages affected drivers, family members, employers, and community members to come forward and share their experiences. Personal stories can help policymakers, courts, and the public understand the human impact of decisions that affect thousands of working families.
Individuals wishing to share their stories and experiences may contact UNITED SIKHS as follows:
UMEED Helpline: 1-855-US-UMEED (1-855-878-6333)
Email: contact@unitedsikhs.org
Follow us on our social media and visit https://unitedsikhs.org/ for more information.
